Pregnancy during the war: how stress and physical strain affect a woman's body

Pregnancy is a natural state, but at the same time, during this period, the female body has an increased sensitivity to stress. Professor Dmytro Govseiev, Head of the Department of Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology and Postgraduate Education at the Bogomolets National Medical University and Honored Doctor, explained how stress in war conditions affects pregnancy and childbirth in a commentary to UNN. 

During pregnancy, cortisol levels in the blood rise, changes occur in the cardiovascular system, and the need for oxygen increases. The body becomes more vulnerable, not only to stress but also, for example, to infections or hypoxia,

On a psychological level, due to the uncertainty of the situation, it becomes harder for the expectant mother to plan for the future and remain calm; this can lead to the development of depression and sleep disorders. Chronic stress triggers a constant increase in cortisol levels, which has an impact on a physiological level, affecting not only the woman's body but also the child's—since cortisol is able to penetrate the placenta. This can provoke fetal growth restriction, increase the risk of preeclampsia (a sudden increase in the pregnant woman's blood pressure accompanied by protein in the urine or impaired kidney or liver function), and inflammatory reactions. 

But living in a war is not just about chronic stress. Even if we are talking about relatively safe areas, there are air raid sirens and missile strikes. In such conditions, an acute stress reaction can occur. And here, unfortunately, premature labor pains, increased blood pressure, uterine hypertonicity, and even bleeding can occur. Dizziness, tachycardia, and loss of consciousness are possible. Overall, stress is one of the most powerful factors in premature birth, 

In addition to stress, in war conditions, many women face negative physical factors: hypothermia, hypoxia, lack of nutrients and vitamins, excessive physical exertion, and the risk of infection. Furthermore, there is the lack of timely medical assistance. 

A woman is in a vulnerable state. And while in peacetime and under normal conditions, this might manifest, for example, as sudden mood swings, under the influence of stress factors, it can have much more serious consequences, 

The doctor says that pregnant women need to remember the importance of self-examination, pay attention to the slightest atypical symptoms, and not dismiss everything as ordinary fatigue, as drowsiness or "brain fog" can be precursors to serious disorders. 

Pregnant women should be among the priority categories for evacuation if we are talking about frontline areas. We all understand the complexity of the situations women find themselves in; this is often accompanied by psychological strain, the inability to move to a safer place, and the inability to receive timely medical care. Every case is individual. In some cases, telemedicine and online consultations can help. It is important for a woman to feel supported. Where stable medical support is available, a woman must not lose contact with her doctor. And our task is to recognize even the smallest symptoms in time, to help, and to protect,